I'm going to see the ENT and Audiologist in Daly CIty on Tuesday. Can anyone suggest certain questions to ask him, so that I can I get the most out of this visit? Should I bring notes, or facts about medicines that I have learned? Anything specific that I should ask?

I want to ask him about the drug Hydergine. It is supposed to relieve symptoms of vertigo. Kinda seems like a long shot though. http://www.smart-drugs.com/Ward-Dean-Hydergine.htm

Please help me get the most out of my doctor visit.


Thanks.

-spoony

Think I would go to the web site below and download the form(PDF format) located there...fill it out and provide a copy to the Doc.....it will document what you think/feel about your condition....and cause you to consider various aspects of the conditions.


Univ. of Penn Balance Center:

http://pennhealth.com/hup/balance/appts2.html


Also while your there you might look at this page also:


http://pennhealth.com/hup/balance/hi.html


If you take a look at the download form I think it covers/answers your questions.


Good Luck!

Thanks Subs. This is really good info. That form is very thorough and raises some interesting questions. I'll let you know how it goes on Tuesday.

( sorry guys - i am having problems posting. Will re-post tomorrow.)

[This message has been edited by spoony (edited 08-21-2003).]

Hi, from what I remember you have not yet been diagnosed with MDD so I would ask for an ENG test to see if it is inner ear related. Most MDD cases are not and are central in origin. And as a few of us have found on here, the rocking sensation experienced in MDD, is also a symptom of an inner ear disorder. Good Luck. xxx

Wow!
This info is brand new to me - I will definately check it out.

Thank you Emsybobs!

Okay.

My ENT visit was as informational as a fortune cookie.

So I went to the ENT on Tuesday, hoping for some good info to come home with. It didn't go exactly as planned. The doctor enters the room, doesn't introduce himself, and says "Well, you probably have wax in your ears." I cringed to myself. (I presume that he must of read the questionnaire I had filled out in the waiting room) I hadn't even talked to him yet - and he's saying this to me. Still - I played along. After all, he's the expert, not me.

After some preliminary questions about my tinnitus and vertigo, he visually examines my ears, nose, and tongue. (Subs --> ) I offered him a look at that questionnaire I had filled out. Tons of good information there, but he said "Let's just start with these questions for now. He never did ask to see that info sheet again. A few more questions about the origin of my tinnitus - which was DJing & loud music - and he sends me next door to get my hearing checked by the in house Audiologist.

After numerous tones and repeating of certain words, the Audiologist concludes that I have some hearing loss in my right ear, but "the hearing in my left ear is excellent." She went on to say that there is a significant difference in the quality of my hearing from my left ear and right ear. "And when there's a difference, there's a problem." Okay. Now we're getting somewhere with this.

I go back into the Examination room, and wait 20 minutes for the Doctor to rejoin me after seeing another patient across the hall.

He says, "You have asymmetrical hearing loss. This, along with 2 other factors, your tinnitus and vertigo, lead me to believe that you may have a benign tumor in your right inner ear. You need an MRI done. Do you have insurance?"

"No." I said. " How much is an MRI?"

"About 1100 dollars. You should get insurance so you can get this done."
"The restaurant where I work doesn't offer insurance - and I'm not really in a financial place where I can spend that kind of money. Is there anything else we can do? I've been out of work for nearly 5 weeks." I say.

"No - the MRI is where we have to start." the doctor says. "So we are all set here, so contact me when you can have that MRI done. The tumors grow very slowly, so don't worry - you have plenty of time."

"But Doctor, wait! I haven't been able to work, or sometimes leave the house. I cannot afford an MRI right now, so what should I do? Should I not work? Is there anything else?"

He says sharply: "You're not listening to me. The next thing to do is get an MRI done so that we can see if there is a tumor in your right ear or not."

"Hmm" is all I can manage to get out.

Now we are (most assuredly) done. He leaves the room without an official goodbye, word of encouragement, or handshake. I go to the receptionist to pay my bill, and find out that they are charging me only half price. That was good of them - but I wonder what I am paying for. (mostly) I feel like he basically said - "You're on your own." or "Good luck until you get healthcare." I wasn't too happy just then.

At least I got to file my state disability forms through the doctor's office. Now I get some compensation since I haven't been able to work. The things is: I don't want money, I want to get better. I need to find another doctor in San Francisco - quick.

I am planning on making a ton of phone calls to get referrals and recommendations of ENT vertigo specialists in the SF bay area.
Can anyone recommend a way to find a Vertigo specialist in one's area?

By the way thanks for reading this rather detailed post. I kinda needed to get that out to you all - I feel better having written this to you. This group helps me along more than anything else. Thank God I have you guys!!

best,
-spoony


ps: i once got a fortune cookie that read: "You like Chinese food."

=)

Hi - well I can see after a reception like that from him you would feel upset. Emmmm - I cannot see a way round the MRI scan - one thing is for sure - you really need to get that done - especially if (and you say he does) suspect an aucustic neuroma. But I do not envy your financial situation - biy is it very expensive with you. In the UK it costs £300 which is less tham half the cost (taking in account exchange rates) what you have to pay. Its a tough one - my concern is that if you go to another ENT or vertigo specialist for sure its going to cost you and likely they will say you gotta have the MRI done. It may waste time in getting a diagnosis and end up costing you more. Its a hard situation. I don't know what to recommend - thankfully the NHS exists in the UK so this situation would not arise albeit long waiting lists. Most people (validated form these posts) who go to specialists end up going for an MRI scan to get a definitive answer (rules out MS, aucustic neuroma, nerve and vascular problems in the brain and neck). Good Luck - its hard - let us know what you decide.

Robertson, Thanks for your reply. I now have plans to move to the UK! (okay just joking) It seems like the system is geared towards the people over there, not the doctors.

Speaking of which, here's a follow up:

I mentioned to the Doctor that on a previous visit to an ENT, I was prescribed valium, and the problem went away in 3 weeks.

He said "Yes, but that is only treating the symptoms, not the cause. We need to find the cause."

The way i see it - is to get better (mobile and working) first, then go get a job with insurance, so that i may figure out the cause of this vertigo in the future - when i get a job with insurance.

Right now, i can't do anything, and my money is running out. I don't know what to do besides wait this thing out. Meanwhile my life is just passing me by.

It's ironic that such an invisible ailment could cause so many visible problems. Having said that, I try to remain hopeful.

[This message has been edited by spoony (edited 08-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by spoony (edited 08-21-2003).]

Have you tried to go to the Emergency Room(ER) at a Hosp close by???

Usually if your symptoms are---falling down/spinning/vertigo/lightheaded/feel like your going to pass out/faint---the ER is required by law(state law)---to treat you---and since you have no $$ because of no job and no insurance---the State---picks up the tab---including the cost of any tests like MRI's,blood, etc....you will wait a while but....they usually will check you out completely---especially--for vertigo/fainting/lightheaded/imbalance probs....